Cowgirl Part II

In keeping with the cowgirl theme for the year, we decided to just carry it on through Halloween.  For two reasons:  a) so Peanut could get one final (official) use of her cowgirl boots and b) because I just have a hard time finding costumes that I deem appropriate for a three year old little girl.

And yes, of course, Bitty needed a costume too.  You guessed it, Grandma sent it last week. 

 
'Cause I'm a kill joy like that, dontchya know.  

 My mom and I came across the cowgirl costume at Costco (where else?) during our trip last month and thought, hey, why not?  I was a little disappointed that my mom wasn't going to make a darling costume like last year, but like she pointed out, when it's all said and done, it's cheaper just to buy one.

Hmph. 

Once again, we borrowed our landlord's beautiful yard for a backdrop for the pictures.  The only unfortunate thing is that look at the colors of this year compared to last.  One wouldn't even hardly know it's fall...and these were taken in nearly the same spot.  Funny, right?

 


Anyhow, I am still happy with the pictures.  Now it's off to Hubs' restaurant for my night off dinner.

Have a safe and happy night, everyone! 

Chipotle Turkey Chili with Apples and Cheddar

When I came across this recipe in my Rachael Ray magazine, I thought it sounded delish and knew I wanted to try it.  It was great.  And it's a great variation on your standard chili, so if you like to mix it up, this might be a great one to try.

Chipotle Turkey Chili with Apples and Cheddar ~ adapted slightly from Rachael Ray


2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
3/4 pound ground turkey
1 Tbsp pureed chipotles (click here for what to do with the rest of the can)
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
1 red onion, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans red beans, drained and rinsed
2 apples, divided
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoon tomato paste (click here for what to do with the rest of the can)
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup apple cider
Shredded extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds) and tortilla chips, for serving

In a large dutch oven, heat EVOO and brown ground turkey.  Using a potato masher works really well to break up the meat.  Stir in chipotles, coriander, cumin, paprika, onion and garlic.  Cook until onion is softened.  Add in red beans, bay leaves, tomato paste, chicken stock, and apple cider and stir to combine. 

Now this is where it would have been helpful to read the directions thoroughly before charging ahead and making the recipe how I thought it should go together.  Rachael says to peel, core, and dice one of the apples and add it to the chili and reserve the other (just coring and chopping) to dress with lemon juice and serve as a garnish.  Pretty, right?  I didn't do that.  I peeled, cored, and diced both apples and put them in the soup.  Wasn't nearly as nice for presentation, but it still tasted good.  

After apple(s) is added, simmer until flavors meld, stirring occasionally about 20-30 minutes.

Serve with sharp cheddar cheese, pepitas, tortilla chips and chopped apples for serving.  

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap at Premeditated Leftovers
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday  

Menu Plan Monday

How can we be at the start of November already?  Wasn't it just the beginning of October?  We have two months left of the year, people.  I just can't even hardly believe.  Despite my utter disbelief, the show must go on.  So for this week we will be having:

Sunday-Pork with Gorganzola Cream Sauce (didn't get to this last week!), mashed potatoes, steamed veggies

Monday-Out to dinner at Hub's restaurant in Peanut's cute little costume

Tuesday-Tuna surprise (Rachael's version is entirely homemade, so I excited to try it!), salad with blue cheese dressing

Wednesday-Ham, scalloped potatoes, steamed veggie

Thursday-Cajun Jambalaya Soup, Cheese Puffs? 

Friday-Salisbury Steak, Lemon Parsley Rice, steamed veggie

Saturday-Leftovers


For other great menu ideas, visit the Organizing Junkie. 

Tried It & Loved It: Apple Cider Doughnuts

I know, I know.

Enough with the doughnut addiction, right?

Actually, the inspiration was that I had some apple cider to use up (from another recipe I tried) and I came across this in my blog reading.  And it was a doughnut recipe that used apple cider, so there was really no question if I would make them, only when. 

I made them the next day. 

These are a baked doughnut and Aimee uses a doughnut pan to bake hers.  Although I am not a fan of nonstick pans, I just might have to make an exception for my love of doughnuts.  Anyhow, not having a doughnut pan, I used my mini muffin cups and made doughnut "holes." 

They turned out really good.  They were really light and airy, not like your typical denser cake doughnut.  I suspect that's because these were baked and not fried.  But don't quote me on that!

Apple Cider Doughnuts ~ from Shugary Sweets

2 cup flour (I used soft white wheat)
3/4 cup sugar (I used sucanat)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup applesauce
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

 

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.

 

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and salt.   Add in cider, applesauce, eggs and vanilla extract.  Mix together until smooth and creamy~about two minutes.  

Place filling in zip top bag and snip off corner and "pipe" into doughnut pan (or mini muffin pan!) for easy distribution.  Bake for approximately 10 minutes (mine were about this long too), until doughnut springs back when touched.  

Cool for about 10-15 minutes and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with apple cider icing.  I didn't do this part, but I am sure it's tasty! 

I Just Couldn't Wait Anymore

Three days prior to Halloween is really good for me.  For reals.  It's normally around August.  

This is practically a world record.  

I busted out the Christmas music playlist today.  

I just couldn't help it.  It's a combination of the early evening darkness, the fact that I've actually needed to wear a scarf this week, and snuggling on the couch with my favorite blanket and yummy food magazine while in my favorite college sweatshirt.

It just begs for Christmas music in the background.  

And it's pure bliss.  

New Fall Tradition

We have our Christmas traditions and Easter traditions.  This year, we also have a new fall tradition.  And it's a "fall" tradition because it can go from the start of the apple season (end of August?) to as-long-as-I-have-apples-in-my-fridge tradition.  So it's really much longer than Halloween or Thanksgiving.  And these babies are stinkin' good, so I'll definitely stretch it out as long as I can.

So good and so easy.  I totally took the lazy way out and bought caramels (but I did have to unwrap them all so I don't know how "lazy" that really was).  You wash and dry the apples, stick "sticks" in them (I used lollipop sticks), melt the caramel, dip the apples, and dip in toppings--we used peanuts on some. 

They are ahhhh-mazing. 

We are so keeping up this tradition. 

 

It's Official

I've been waiting for this.....

I am officially a soccer mom.  

Warm Blue Cheese Bacon Dip

Yes, I have been on a blue cheese kick.

I had some leftover bacon (I know) the other day and decided to make some of this dip.  I haven't had it in awhile and it was so GOOD.   It is so easy to make and such a great mixture of flavors.  It's perfect for entertaining too, as it can be made ahead.  I made this for my parents 30th anniversary party we threw for them several (!) years ago and it was a hit! 

Warm Blue Cheese Bacon Dip

8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup cream (you can use whole milk, half and half, whatever you have on hand)
2 cloves garlic, minced
7-8 strips cooked bacon, chopped
1 Tbsp green onions (green parts only, minced--not just sliced)
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

2 Tbsp chopped, smoked almonds (mine weren't smoked, just dry roasted)

Beat cream cheese to soften and mix in cream/milk.  Add in garlic, bacon, green onions, and blue cheese.  Mix evenly to combine and place in oven proof dish.  If making ahead, refrigerate.  Pull out of refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking.  Heat in 350 degree oven until heated through, about 30 minutes.  Top with almonds and serve warm, but not piping hot.  Serve with celery sticks or crackers. 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap at Premeditated Leftovers
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday  

Menu Plan Monday

Fall is definitely here with the cooler temps, but it's sooo funny as most of the trees here are taking their sweet time in changing colors.  I am SO ready for the fall color pallet outside.  Can I hear an amen?  In conjunction with my readiness for fall, for this week we will be having~

Sunday~Pasta with butternut squash pasta sauce (yes, this would be out a jar {gasp!}, but my landlord swears by the stuff--told me about how amazing it was on no less than three different occasions, and Costco only has it in the fall, so I got some.  It's a two jar pack--my landlord?  She bought 6........packs.), green salad 

Monday~Aglio e Olio (I am branching out here, folks!), green salad with bleu cheese dressing

Tuesday~Chipotle Turkey Chili with apples and cheddar (doesn't that sound amazing?), green salad

Wednesday~Pork with Gorganzola sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli

Thursday~Asian meatballs, sesame rice, steamed broccoli

Friday~Lentil soup, green salad

Saturday~Leftovers


For other great menu ideas, visit the Organizing Junkie.  

Tried It & Loved It: Pumpkin Doughnuts

I am all about the fall flavors.  I mean, this recipe had me at pumpkin, but then combine that with doughnuts?  Well, that's just about over the top for me.  We all know how I love myself a doughnut.

Although, I did make an exception to my previously stated reasons for not frying the doughnuts last time and I fried them this time. And ohmylanta, were they good. 

Amazing, actually.  Of course, as Peanut was inhaling hers (like her mama) I said to Hubs, "Really though, what isn't good when it's full of sugar and deep fried?" 

Ahem. 

Alas, I didn't get a picture.  But please don't let that deter you, because these are SO yum. 

Pumpkin Doughnuts ~ adapted from The Happy Housewife 

2 cups flour (I did half all purpose, half soft white wheat)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup sucanat
2 Tablespoons butter (room temp)
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup puree'd pumpkin
Oil for frying (I used coconut)

Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and set aside.  In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar/sucanat.  Add in egg and mix well.   Add in buttermilk, vanilla, and pumpkin and mix to combine.  Mix wet and dry ingredients together until mixture forms a ball. 

Heat a large amount of oil in a skillet or fry pan to be three inches deep.  (The amount will vary depending on size of skillet.)   Heat oil to 350 degrees or until LOTS of small bubbles quickly roll off a wooden spoon stuck in the oil.  

On a well floured surface, roll dough out (dusting with flour as needed) to a quarter inch thick.  Using either a doughnut cutter or one large, one small circle shape(s), cut out doughnuts.  Separate  holes from rings.  Fry in oil about 1-2 minutes per side, flipping to fry opposite side.  Lay on paper towels to drain and cool slightly.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar just prior to serving.  

Yes, In Fact, I DO Realize This is a Long List

So I just wanted to share with you some of the great shows and movies I've been watching.

Cause I am sure you are dying to know just exactly how I waste spend some of my free time.

If you are for some reason still interested, here are some of the little goodies I've, well really we've--the Hubs and I--been watching (and enjoying!) in the last few months.

This summer, with all the network shows on summer hiatus, we've been making full use of our Netflix.  And I've already mentioned how I heart my Netflix. 

So let's visit the feature length films first, shall we?

Killers~Sort of an action based romantic comedy.  This movie was so stinkin' funny.  Like laugh out loud funny.  Like more than once Hubs had to elbow me and tell me to quiet down 'cause I was gonna' wake the Peanut laugh out loud funny.  And let me just say up front, I am NOT an Ashton Kutcher fan.  But that said, he was actually quite charming in this one.  Despite my general dislike of Ashton, I do just love Katherine Heigl.   No, I don't/haven't watched "Greys," but 27 Dresses was just SO cute, and like said, I just love her.   Watch this one....you won't regret it. 

Fever Pitch~A baseball centered romantic comedy.  Again, so stinkin' funny.  I actually discovered this little gem on the On Demand free movies early in the summer.   Such a sweet little romantic comedy.  And while I already loved Drew, Jimmy Fallon was very charming as well.   Although we really don't buy movies any more (we are much more judicious in what we add to our "collection"....and not because of standards, it's just a "will we really watch it THAT much" question), I could see the benefit of owning this one.

Taking Chance~A really great military drama.  It's not really an action film, but it puts a really wonderful perspective on what our men and women in uniform sacrifice for us.  Grab a box of tissues, folks, it's a real tear jerker.   And a really fine film.  

Now we will move along to the TV on DVD, mmmmkay?

Mad Men~LOVE this one. I heard about this show awhile back and then last fall I saw one of the actresses from Mad Men on Rachael Ray--isn't this where I get all my good info?  They showed a clip and I was intrigued, so I put it on my Netflix DVD Queue. However like most people, we have like 2,476 items in our queue so it was WAY down on the list. But then....this summer it came up as available on streaming. Well, it was pretty much over after that. Hubs and I were both hooked.  It is centered around an advertising agency in 1960's NYC.  I find the era absolutely fascinating.  There is no other way to describe it.  I mean, I know about how lots of things were during that time period, as my parents lived it, but to see certain things played out in "real life" situations....it's crazy.  Like kids wrestling in the back seat while mom is driving, the husband giving the wife a peck on the cheek and pat the back and a "Good luck!" as she is wheeled into Labor and Delivery, or chucking a beer can in the park--just 'cuz there was no law that said you couldn't.  Wow....so, so, so interesting and fascinating.

Now Hubs and I are impatiently waiting for season 5 to air and then finally became available on streaming.

Burn Notice~Love me a good crime drama.  And it's a funny crime drama with a little bit of romance, so what's not to like?  I had to get over the fact that Jeffery Donovan is the little worm in Hitch (LOVE that movie!), but once I did, I really ended up taking a liking to this fun little series. 

And ohmylanta--our final category--All the Fall Favorites Which Are Splitting the Seams on our DVR:

Parenthood~Love this show.  It's so real.  The dialouge and the way it is all acted out.....such an honest portrayal of family dynamics.  I love the way the intense conversations are played out.....it's just so realistic with them talking over each other.  That might sound really negative, but I (as well as Hubs) really enjoy the authenticity.  And combine that with the fact that the show has me crying at least once a week, terrified of the challenges we may face as the Peanut gets older......well, it's very consuming to say the least.

The Chew~I liked it....but not as much as I first thought.  There so many other shows I like better....I am sorta already over it.  I feel bad in saying that, but it's the truth!  So sorry!

The Good Wife~Have enjoyed this one since the first season, but it's getting a little racy.  I am shocked again and again of what they can show on network television, but who I am kidding, it hasn't stopped me yet from watching it....so there you go.  And this one is in the No Watching While Peanut Up/Awake category.   

Rachael Ray~Really, need I even elaborate?  I mean this blog might as well be dedicated to her.  And I say that with the utmost appreciation.  She's so much fun and cooks great recipes.  Throw that in with all the fun little features....it's one of my favorites.  And it is Peanut friendly, which is always nice, cause really, none of the others are.  

Charlie's Angels~Although I was a little young for the original TV series, I loved the movies and this new show is very similar to the movies.  And the new Bosley?  Well, let just say he isn't the old Bosley, that's for darn sure.  It's a fun new crime drama with lots of great fashion, so I love it! 

The X-Factor~We are very much Idol fans here in this house, especially the Peanut.  The X-Factor seems to be a great off season option to it's predecessor.  I don't say that lightly either, 'cause I've never gotten into The Sing Off or America's Got Talent or any of those other singing show imposters. Shockingly too, I realize how much I missed Simon.  He seems to have softened (just a shade!) and that seems to be working for him.  Plus my Mom (who has never watched Idol) is into it too, so it's been fun having post airing discussions with her.  Another plus too, as it's a Peanut permissible show. 

Unforgettable~Another crime drama, but sort of forgettable.  I mean it's decent, but like with The Chew, there are just a NUMBER of other shows we are already into and you know, we have a limited number of Peanut downtime hours, so some things have had to get bumped. 

Person of Interest~Hubs discovered this one and I have to say, we are both really enjoying this.  It's another JJ Abrams show (think Alias {loved that show!} and Lost just to name a few).  Jim Caviezel plays an ex CIA hit man who now works for this computer genius in helping save peoples lives.  The computer genius designed this computer program to help catch terrorist acts before they happen and in doing so, this program catches all sorts of terror (like murders and rapes), so they "work off the grid" trying to "fight" crime.  All in all, I'd have to say it is my favorite new show of this year.  If you decide to watch just one of these, this one would have to be it.   And not just 'cause Jim Caviezel, is well, you know, HOT.  And why do I always like the older ones? 

Once Upon A Time~This one hasn't aired yet, but I am excited about it.  It does seem that it will be a little dark, but it has a interesting storyline.  At least from what I can tell from the previews.  Some fairytale characters are cursed and thrown into modern day life and they have to adjust to the world as it is today.  Think the movie Enchanted but with a much, much darker plot.  I am very excited to see this one and I hope I won't be disappointed!   *****Update***** I really enjoyed the first episode.  I am thinking I am definitely going to like this show!!!



What have you been watching?  Any good new ones you are just loving?



Disclosure:  This is not a paid/sponsored advertisement.....I am simply sharing what I have been enjoying in these past few months. 

Guess What?

I am so excited!  I started reading blogs just about three years ago, when I made the leap to quit my job and stay home with the Peanut full time.  My dear friend, Sarah, told me about a blog that she read and how this gal fed her family of six on $60 a week!

I was all about learning anything and everything I could to make our transition to living on one income a reality, so I started reading her blog.  Then I found another blog and another blog and another blog, and well, the rest is blog history, I guess.  All that to say, Gayle has allowed me the opportunity to guest post on her blog while she is away on vacation.  So go ahead and click over.

You know you want to.

Bones

This is mostly for my Mom, who got her the jammies.....

And the picture on the right?  Peanut was actually smiling, talking through her teeth, asking Big Dolly if she was smiling.  I kid you not. 

 


The bones even glow in the dark. Even though I tend to stay away from *most* things Halloween related (at least the scary/dark stuff), even I had to say these were pretty darn cute. 

Swedish Meatballs ~ As Good As Ikea's?

These are a knock off of the famous Ikea Swedish Meatballs.  To be honest, I've never actually had the Ikea meatballs (getting food at a furnishings store just seems wrong to me), but I do like Swedish meatballs in general and have never found a recipe I was entirely thrilled with.  Until now.  These are very, very good.  In fact, this is a good reminder, as I need to make these again!

The only thing I would change in the future is that I would make more sauce.  The recipe only  accounts for sauce to be served over the meatballs, but I served ours with pasta noodles, so I will definitely double that for next time.

 


Swedish Meatballs ~ adapted from the Food Network magazine

For the meatballs:

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup minced white onion (I used yellow)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork
2 large eggs, beaten
Olive oil, for brushing

For the gravy (I would double the below amounts if serving with noodles):

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional....didn't have this when I made it, but I so wish I did! I LOVE fresh parsley)
Lingonberry jam, for serving (optional.....um, yeah, a jar of this was around $9......not in my house!)

For the meatballs:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Add the breadcrumbs in a large bowl. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and saute onion and garlic until softened. Stir in allspice, salt, and pepper. Add to bread crumb mixture along with milk and Worcestershire sauce and mix to combine. Add ground beef and pork and mix well--hands are a great tool!

Brush cookie sheet with coconut oil and roll meat in 1 inch balls and place on baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until meatballs are cooked through, about 20 minutes.

For the gravy:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in flour and whisk to combine and let cook for a minute or two. Add in beef broth,Worcestershire sauce, and heavy cream and mix well to combine. Mixture will thicken as it heats through. Make sure to stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over meatballs (and noodles) and garnish with fresh parsley and Lingonberry jam, if desired.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

This recipe is linked to:

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap at Premeditated Leftovers
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday  

Menu Plan Monday

We finally got our (anxiously awaited) pork this past week.   So it's time for me to get cracking and bust out the cookbooks and try to find some great new pork recipes.  Plus, some things came up last week, so several things are being rolled over to this week and taking a look at the menu, I am guessing mucho leftovers, so I am gonna roll the dice and throw in TWO leftover nights.  If not, my stand by will always be there. 

Sunday-Spanakopizza (one dish meal!)

Monday-Blanco Chili, green salad (chunky bleu cheese dressing--yes I am still on that kick!)

Tuesday-Grilled Garlic-Lime Pork Chops, Sesame Rice, green salad

Wednesday-Steaks with mushroom cream sauce, baked potatoes, green salad

Thursday-Chicken Tortilla Soup, cornbread

Friday-Leftovers

Saturday-Leftovers



For other great menu ideas, visit the Organizing Junkie. 


 

Tried It & Loved It: Pumpkin Scones

In my former life, I made many a visit to a little coffee shop with the big green logo.  
 
You know the one.   

Why, yes, that would be Starbucks.

While I don't indulge very often anymore, Hubs and I usually make a stop at one on every visit we make on our way back to HomeTown.  I get so excited for our visits home.  

And my Mom and Dad thought that giddyness was about seeing them. 

Oh, how I kid. 

While I indulge in the coffee (and I use that term very loosely...most would not consider a Venti Peppermint Mocha with Whip a true "cup of coffee" but whatev...it is to me) on the trips home, I don't indulge in the pastries anymore.  Although I would love to...but the new "sensible" me just can't spend $2+ on something made of flour and water.  Name that movie.  

And yes, I completely see the hypocrisy in that. 

Over $4 for a cup of coffee but not the extra $2 for a scone. 

It's all about choices here, people. 

In my quest to satisfy that little indulgence, I came across this recipe, and while it is not the exact same, they are still good.  Very, very, good.

 
Pumpkin Scones (a Starbucks copy cat) ~ adapted from Food.com

for the scones:
2 cups all-purpose flour (I did half all purpose, half soft white wheat)
7 Tbsp sugar (that would be a scant 1/2 cup, and yes, I used sucanat)
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
6 Tbsp cold butter
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3 Tbsp half-and-half  (I used whole milk)
1 large egg

for the powdered sugar glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp whole milk 

for the spice glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch ginger
1 pinch ground cloves

for the scones:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a Silpat mat. 

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl.  Using a pastry cutter, cut cold butter into flour mixture until mixture is coarse crumbs (the largest being no bigger than a pea).   In a seperate bowl, mix together pumpkin, half and half/milk, and egg.  Making a well with your dry ingredients, pour in wet ingredients and mix until just moistened. 

On a well floured surface, pat dough (using additional flour as needed) into a round disk shape and cut (like a pie) into six even portion.  Place on baking sheet and bake for 14-16 minutes, or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool completely prior to icing.  (A good reason to bake the night before!)

for the powdered sugar glaze:
Mix together powdered sugar and whole milk.  Mixture should be just a shade thicker than Elmer's glue.  (If necessary, add additional powdered sugar or milk to achieve desired consistency.)  Drizzle in a zig zag pattern over cooled scones. 

for the spice glaze:
Mix together powdered sugar, whole milk, and spices.  Again, the mixture should be just a shade thicker than Elmer's glue.  (As before, if necessary, add additional powdered sugar or milk to achieve desired consistency.)  Drizzle in a zig zag pattern (opposite to the powdered sugar glaze) over cooled scones. 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

That movie would be Father of the Bride. 

And how can that be 20 years old?!??!!?

I mean, seriously?

Ready for the Next Year

We were able to go (finally) pick up our hog (about 100 pounds of meat!) and we got our beef just a few weeks ago (about 62 pounds!).  We are definitely ready for the next year. 

And most definitely blessed.  

 

Family Time

I'll let the photos tell the rest..... 
 

Hubs wasn't too thrilled with Aggressive Brown Billy Goat being disinterested in sharing.....

 

Come back soon.